Ukrainian Forces Battle to Break Through Heavily Defended Territory
Ukrainian forces continue their slow advance, breaching Russia’s defensive lines in the occupied south. Their latest objective is breaking through heavily defended territory near the village of Verbove, about six miles east of Robotyne, which was recaptured by Ukrainian fighters last week.
According to the Black Bird Group, a volunteer organization analyzing satellite imagery and social media content from the battlefield, Ukrainian soldiers have cleared obstacles and reached Russian infantry fighting positions on the outskirts of Verbove.
However, military analysts caution that this does not necessarily mean that Ukrainian forces have secured the territory. The offensive has faced fierce resistance, progressing in small steps and resulting in significant casualties and equipment loss.
Ukrainian military officials have refrained from making grand claims. Oleksandr Shtupun, a spokesman for the Ukrainian Army in the south, acknowledged that the Russian trenches and dugouts near Verbove were “not as strong” as the initial line of defense. However, he noted that Russian minefields would complicate the push forward, and there are indications that Moscow may have reinforced its defenses near Robotyne with additional troops.
While Ukrainian forces achieved surprising successes earlier in the war, holding the capital city of Kyiv and repelling Russian forces, this counteroffensive has been much more challenging. Russian forces had ample time to fortify their positions, building barriers and laying mines, making large parts of the landscape treacherous.
The Ukrainian military’s objective is to reclaim land in the south and east of the country. Their primary focus is reaching the Sea of Azov and driving a wedge through Russian-occupied territory, with particular efforts directed towards the city of Melitopol.
The retaking of Robotyne marked a significant milestone in Ukraine’s bid to sever Moscow’s supply lines to occupied Crimea. However, Ukrainian forces still have a long way to go. Their current push from Robotyne to Verbove aims to widen the breach in Russia’s defensive layers, allowing for more equipment and personnel to support their advancing forces.
A strategic target in this push is the city of Tokmak, a critical road-and-rail hub about 15 miles south of Robotyne. Achieving this objective requires fully breaking through the defenses around Verbove and overcoming additional layers of Russian defenses.
This slow and grueling battle is expected to last several more months, with heavy casualties on both sides. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to visit the front lines in an effort to boost morale among the troops.
During his recent visit, President Zelensky discussed the needs of combat brigades, including the provision of artillery shells and air-defense missiles. The issue of ammunition shortages, drones, and anti-drone weapons was also addressed. The Ukrainian leader emphasized the importance of supporting the troops and maintaining communication with brigade and battalion commanders.
As the conflict continues, it remains to be seen how Ukrainian forces will overcome the heavily defended territory and achieve their objectives in the south and east of Ukraine.
— Constant Méheut and Thomas Gibbons-Neff